take a seat

song of the moment

2007-08-09T14:30:00.000+08:00

Senti ako ngayon.

Old Photograph
Jim Capaldi

Yesterday I felt the wind blowing 'round my shoulder
Feel like I'm getting older
Still I can't forget your face

Separated by a million miles of ocean
My heart still feels emotion
Even in this lonely place

Old photographs and places I remember
Just like a dying ember
That's burned into my soul
Even though we walk the diamond-studded highways
It's the country lanes and byways
That makes us long for home

Lately I just find my mind has turned to dreamin'
Making plans and scheming
How I'm gonna get back home

But deep down inside I know its really hopeless
This road I'm on is endless
We climb our mountains all alone

REFRAIN

That makes us long
For home

fun tags!

2007-08-09T13:33:00.000+08:00

I found this meme courtesy of J. Feel free to play along.

1. What is the nature of your work: Government service, politics
2. What color are your socks right now: White.
3. What are you listening to right now: Old Photograph by Jim Capaldi
4. What was the last thing you ate: A bagful of potato chips and brewed coffee for lunch. It does'nt match. Yuck!
5. Can you drive a stick shift: No.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be: Red.
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone: Our account handler in DSWD, informing us that our funds just arrived! Yehey!
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you: Yes. He's a friend. I like pretty much everybody on my mailing list.
9. How old are you today: I don't wanna say. Don't ask that again.
10. Favorite drink: Coffee!
11. What is your favorite sport to watch: toss-up between tennis and pool.
12. Have you ever dyed your hair: Yes. Blue. (can you believe it?)
13. Pets: I don't have but I love Rocky, my cousin's pet Schitzu.
14. Favorite Food: Anything spicy.
15. What was the last movie you watched: License to Wed (4 days ago)
16. Favorite day of the year: I don't have one.
17. What do you do to vent anger: I don't vent. I seeth.
18. What was your favorite toy as a child: Lego.
19. What is your favorite, Summer or Winter: Summer. We don't have winter in PI.
20. Hugs or kisses: Kisses. (pwede both?)
21. Cherry or blueberry: Blueberry on cheesecake, cherries on vodka.
22. Current living situation: Alive, single and happy!
23-25. [Mysteriously missing from the list]
26. When was the last time you cried: Last week when watching Deep Ends of the Ocean on DVD. I dunno. I'm not the usual cry baby but I cried.
27. What is on the floor of your closet: slippers
28. [Also mysteriously missing]
29. What did you do last night: Secret. Its raining hard last night. An lamig, an sarap matulog.
30. Favorite smell: Fresh-brewed coffee.
31. What inspires you: My mom, my friends, mostly people around me with positive outlook in life.
32. What are you afraid of: Frogs. I hate frogs. Failed relationships.
33. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers: All of it please. Samahan pa ng fries and coke please.
34. Favorite car: I don't really have one. Anything that takes you from point A to point B is ok.
35. Favorite dog breed: Yellow Lab.
36. Number of keys on your key ring: 7
37. How many years at your current job: 4 technically.
38. Favorite day of the week: Friday.
39. Favorite city: Hong Kong
40. Favorite holiday: Christmas.
41. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery: I fell off a motorcycle thrice when I was in grade school. Heavy machinery? Nope.
42. Favorite colors: Red, black, white & yellow, in that order.
43. Favorite number: 8.
44. Favorite vacation spot: Boracay.
45. Favorite sports team: I'm not really a sport fan.
46. Favorite Actor/Actress: Johnny Depp / Nicole Kidman
47. Favorite Hobby: Movies, music
48. Beach or Mountains: Beach for the sun and sand, mountains for the trees.
49. Rather sing or dance: I'm not good at both, but after few glasses of Currant-Sprite, I'll dance.

50. Last question: glad it is over or do you want more: Hit me, baby, one more time.

keep your promises

2007-08-02T11:11:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful Queen with voluptuous breasts.

Nick the Dragon Slayer obsessed over the Queen for this reason. He knew that the penalty for his desire would be death should he try to touch them, but he had to try. One day Nick revealed his secret desire to his colleague, Horatio the Physician, the King's chief doctor. Horatio thought about this and said that he could arrange for Nick to more than satisfy his desire, but it would cost him 1,000 gold coins to arrange it. Without pause Nick readily agreed to the scheme.

The next day, Horatio made a batch of itching powder and poured a little bit into the Queen's brassiere while she bathed. Soon after she dressed, the itching commenced and grew intense. Upon being summoned to the Royal Chambers to address this incident, Horatio informed the King and Queen that only a special saliva, if applied for four hours, would cure this type of itch, and that tests had shown that only the saliva of Nick would work as the antidote to cure the itch. The King quickly summoned Nick. Horatio then slipped Nick the antidote for the itching powder, which he put into his mouth, and for the next four hours, Nick worked passionately on the Queen's voluptuous and magnificent breasts.

The Queen's itching was eventually relieved, and Nick left satisfied and hailed as a hero. Upon returning to his chamber, Nick found Horatio demanding his payment of 1,000 gold coins. With his obsession now satisfied, Nick couldn't have cared less and, knowing that Horatio could never report this matter to the King, and with a laugh told him to get lost.

The next day, Horatio slipped a massive dose of the same itching powder into the King's underwear. The King immediately summoned Nick and...

I think you know the rest of the story.

no more excuses

2007-08-01T17:54:00.000+08:00

me konting frustrations.

me konting dissapointments.

for the longest time ang gusto ko lang gawin, matulog at manuod ng sine. walang ganang magtrabaho. wala akong ginawa kundi mag reklamo.

nakakapagod!

God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me.

No more excuses now.

sorry kung meron mang na-apektohan. lalo na kay G (na mahal na mahal ko.)

yay!

okei na ako. balik na ulit sa dati.

pero me mood swings pa rin paminsan-minsan ha. natural na yun e.

9 things people say or do that I hate

2007-08-01T16:45:00.000+08:00

being in a sarcastic mode, I'm posting a
forwarded e-mail from a friend way back when...

1. People who point at their wrist while asking for the time...
I know where my watch is pal, where the hell is yours?
Do I point at my thing when I ask where the toilet is?

2. People who are willing to get off their butt to search the entire room for the TV remote because they refuse to walk to the TV and change the channel manually.

3. When people say "Oh you just want to have your cake and eat it too".
Damn right! What good is cake if you can't eat it?

4. When people say "it's always the last place you look".
Of course it is. Why the hell would you keep looking after you've found it?

5. When people say while watching a film "did you see that?"
No Loser, I paid 180 pesos to come to the cinema and stare at the damn floor.

6. People who ask "Can I ask you a question?"...
Didn't really give me a choice there, did ya sunshine?

7. When something is 'new and improved!' Which is it?
If it's new, then there has never been anything before it.
If it's an improvement, then there must have been
something before it, couldn't be new.

8. When people say "life is short". What the hell??
Life is the longest damn thing anyone ever does!!
What can you do that's longer?

9. When you are waiting for the bus and someone asks "Has the bus come yet?" If the bus came would I be standing here, dumbass?

pag-ibig nga naman

2007-07-30T19:11:00.000+08:00

Ang pag-ibig kapag pumasok sa puso ninuman
Hahamakin ang lahat masunod ka lamang.

scary.

I want to write about love, but love prevents me from writing everything. Maybe I should ponder more on the other person's love because writing something about love does not justify the action of the other person. I'd like to think that love is gentle and is kind. Well, i'd really have to think about that. There is pain, you know.

Love had me at hello and stayed with me until we said goodbye. I believe love transcends everything. Even after the pain.

I love love and forever will love.

I love you.

the perfect husband

2007-07-27T17:53:00.000+08:00

I am sharing this that came in my e-mail this morning...

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.

MAN: 'Hello'

WOMAN: 'Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?'

MAN: 'Yes'

WOMAN: 'I am at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $1,000. Is it OK if

I buy it?'

MAN: 'Sure, go ahead if you like it that much.'

WOMAN: 'I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2007 models. I saw one I really liked.'

MAN: 'How much?'

WOMAN: '$90,000'

MAN: 'OK, but for that price I want it with all the options.'

WOMAN: 'Great! Oh, and one more thing... the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $950,000'

MAN: 'Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of $900,000. They will probably take it. If not, we can go the extra 50 thousand if it's really a pretty good price.'

WOMAN: 'OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!'

MAN: 'Bye! I love you, too.'

The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths agape.

He turns and asks: 'Anyone know who this phone belongs to?'

its time

2007-07-26T17:01:00.000+08:00

its a hard thing to do... but i have to do it!

doors

2007-07-17T14:11:00.000+08:00

Life is a series of pathways and doorways.
The doorway to life is always open; with welcoming arms she calls you in. Some doors are large and some are small, but no matter the size they have one thing in common.

To let you in to a room or a garden, a new slant on life that's sure to be different. A door to a church where we go to pray, a door to a heart where we long to stay. Red doors or brown doors, tin ones or wooden, some with bars and padlocks to form a prison.

I remember a door in a small town in Cornwall with a porch made of wood, surrounded by creepers, so quaint, so welcoming, so olde world charming.

A door to a cottage built long long ago. Doorways to pubs and doorways to schools; No matter our age, our gender or colour, we all go through doors on our way to our goals. We have to enter new doors each fresh day to take us forever onwards; To open new chapters in life's endless search for avenues of learning.

Tricha McGill

mga kababata

2006-12-13T13:33:00.000+08:00

mga kababata ko.
ung isa dyan, matagal bago ko uli nakita. (mga 14 years)

Friends we do remain
Things changing

and

things staying the same.
To each other we still listen

and

share,
About each other,

we will always care.

this one's for imee

2006-12-11T18:53:00.000+08:00

it's my budz b-day.

(this is late... as usual)

budz, you may be out of sight

(and out of touch, nu yorker ka na kase)

but never out of heart.

happy birthday

keep the spirit... alive!

last song syndrome (awww!)

2006-12-06T15:14:00.000+08:00

How Did You Know
Gary Valenciano

I remember so well
The day that you came into my life
You asked for my name
You had the most beautiful smile

My life started to change
I'd wake up each day feeling alright
With you right by my side
Makes me feel things will work out just fine

How did you know
I needed someone like you in my life
That there's an empty space in my heart
You came at the right time in my life

I'll never forget
How you brought the sun to shine in my life
And took all the worries and fears that I had
I guess what I'm really trying to say
It's not everyday that someone like you comes my way
No words can express how much I love you

all time fave chistmas song (mine)

2006-11-30T15:03:00.000+08:00

My Grown Up Christmas List
Michael Buble
Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, ooh
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believe
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath the tree
But heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a hurting human soul

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

This is my grown up christmas list
This is my only lifelong wish
This is my grown up christmas list...

how chistmas works?

2006-11-29T17:59:00.000+08:00

Let's say that on December 20 you were to meet a friendly space alien. That is, let's say that his space ship discreetly drops him off in your back yard while you are looking out your window. You walk outside to meet the visitor, and you find out he's a pretty nice guy. His name is Gorg, he is wearing a costume that makes him look passably human, he speaks reasonable English, and he explains that his goal is to spend a week on the planet to learn about its people. He asks if you would consider being his guide for the week, and you decide to take on the job.

So you take Gorg around and start showing him your town. Since it is December 20, one thing is for sure -- Gorg is going to ask about Christmas. And he is going to ask a LOT of questions, because Christmas is a pretty complicated tradition.

Think about all the different questions Gorg might ask. Do you have the answers?

content?

2006-11-29T14:25:00.000+08:00

I've got a
roof overhead,
stars if I choose
but I've no need to fly,
I've got no
itch to move
got almost nothing,
but I understand
that I don't
need
anything
that
I
don't
have.

Glen Phillips
American Singer and Songwriter
From his song: 'Don't Need Anything'

28 days before christmas

2006-11-27T13:27:00.000+08:00

sarap ng tulog! christmas pa ang gising nya.

28 days na lang.

Monday Quote

2006-11-27T13:08:00.000+08:00

Choose
The single clenched fist lifted and ready,
Or the open hand held out and waiting.

Choose: For we meet by one or the other.

Carl Sandburg

what is your heart song?

2006-11-23T15:04:00.000+08:00

A comedy adventure set in the land of the Emperor Penguins in the heart of Antarctica. These penguins sing, and each needs their own special song to attract a soul mate. The hero, Mumble, son of Elvis and Norma Jean is the worst singer in the world... but he can tap-dance something fierce!

I'm going to see this tonight, and I'm going to get jiggy with it!
I hope to find my heart song and put on my happy feet afterwards.

Here's a qoute from the trailer:

Lovelace: Turn to the penguin next to you... and give him a great big hug!
Raul: [Ramón is hugging Raul] What'chu hugging me for?
Ramón: He told me to.
Raul: Get away!
Ramón: No, you like it!

Oh! the penguins...

nyahahaha!

this should work!

2006-11-22T15:03:00.000+08:00

Heard of "The Ultimate Sex Diet," "sex-ercises," "crunchy kisses," "Elvis' pelvis," "wheelbarrow of fun" and other erotic moves that can help you get fit while doing some ultra-intimate bonding with your partner?

I wonder if this really works. The debates in the health field are constant if sex really helps you loose weight. I am sure most people would rather have sex than jump on the treadmill. Yet, why are we all still so fat. Every other month another study comes out about how fat people are. I guess we are just not having enough sex! Maybe I should add this to my workout regimen, I'll let you all know how it works out!

nyahaha!

Wednesday Quote

2006-11-22T13:48:00.000+08:00

"We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen."

Paulo Coelho

Chances Are

2006-11-21T22:12:00.000+08:00

This article is by Denn A. Meneses which appeared on November 2006 issue of Trade Express Asia (Lifestyle Section). Thought of sharing this with friends.

Chances Are
Denn A. Meneses

I was to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets.
D.H. Lawrence

The follies which a man regrets most in life are those which he didn’t commit when he had the opportunity.
Helen Rowland

Chances are, somewhere in our cherished past, there was someone that we thought was the one, someone that we couldn’t have, the one that got away.

What might have been – if the person that we thought was the one, was actually beside us now. What possibilities lie in wait – if the one that we couldn’t have, was in fact ours for the taking. What promises lurk in the horizon – if the one that got away, didn’t get away and stayed with us forever and a day.

The sleepless nights and cold mornings we spent pinning for that one lost love would have receded from the misty staleness of our regrettable long ago. There wouldn’t have been so many what if’s and what-not’s befuddling our thoughts and actions in the wee hours of our sporadic ponderings. Love’s follies might have been taken another turn – perhaps towards something more wonderful, a bit more unpredictable and lusciously unthinkable.

Even as the one with us has become increasingly less exciting as well as less appreciated. The magic has faded a bit, the spell broken by the humdrum of constant togetherness. Familiarity breeding boredom, certainly creating dullness. Mostly crises, no more surprises. The mystery is gone, and romance – or a veneer of it – sheepishly lies out of the window.

But, woefully, the object of our lamentation will remain just that – somewhat to be sorry for and frustrated about, to endlessly shake our heads in mute disappointment, to hopelessly utter in our inner wrestling – what a waste, what a pity, never will it be.

------------
Chances are, sometime in our moments of vacillation, there were choices we had to take, to be or not to be, to plunge headlong or to drop out altogether, to do or die for what we thought was the be-all of what we are here for.

Only to find out in the bitter end that the road we traveled on was crammed with bends and forks, sticks and stones, hills and thorns. That there was smoother path, after all – more rewarding and satisfying, a tad less maddening and aggravating. Not too many jerks and jolts, fewer humps and bumps, no sharp turns and blind alleys, no waste of precious time.

What if we gave bent to our idealistic, romantic, artistic inclination rather than the realistic, prosaic, pragmatic? What if we followed the less beaten path, the light that beaconed at the end of the tunnel, the whispers in our head urging us to cultivate the cravings of our soul? What if we opted to play devil’s advocate instead of going for the jugular, or play it safe instead of throwing caution to the wind?

Life might have been nothing like we know it now. But the choices we made then were borne out of daring; a leap of faith, as it were; a shot in the dark; a vote of confidence on ourselves – never mind the twists of fate that prowled in ambush. They made us become what we are today, freckles and all – never mind the cruel jokes that besieged our defenses. We thought, therefore we are – nothing more, nothing less.

------------
Chances are, if we are given another opportunity at righting a wrong, repairing a tarnished friendship, mending a heart that was badly broken, doing a task, a favor or a cause that was left undone in our haste to keep pace with the exigencies of the here and now – we wouldn’t think twice about acting on it this time around.

Was our youth wasted when we are young? Did we aspire to be somebody but didn’t have the wherewithal to make it come about? Did we harbor ill feelings for someone but didn’t have the guts to let them know? Did we miss out on something – the prom, probably, or a shot at the varsity team – because resources were scarce or our skill didn’t measure up?

Did we let go of our hearts desire because we chose to follow the dictates of our mind?

Regret can be the most painful of human emotions: more painful, perhaps, than the feat or failure, rejection or deprivation, loneliness or sorrow. It rubs us of many possibilities of savoring a cloud burst of other sensations and of basking in the celestial after glow. It denies us the prospect of ever knowing what is at the end of the rainbow, what is at the other side of the realm, what becomes of the wish that our heart makes.

For isn’t life all about taking chances, a second chance, another chance? Isn’t it all about seizing the moment, taking a stand, letting it be? Win some, loose some. Put up or shut up, concur or perish. If it feels right and warm inside, go for it!

And chances are, if we can live our life all over again, we will live it the way we want it to be lived. Not so much as to defy the fortunes, dare the fates, taunt destiny. Neither to shrink like a violet, hide in a shell, or sit on a fence and leave room for more regrets. Life is already confounding as it is, without us making it even more so. Then we realize, one sad day, that regrets have already taken the lace of dreams.

Points of Light

2006-11-10T21:51:00.000+08:00

Although we all know these, they are worth repeating:

The most useless thing to do: Worry
The greatest joy: Giving
The greatest loss: Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work: Helping others
The ugliest personality trait: Selfishness
The most endangered species: Dedicated leaders
The greatest "shot in the arm": Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome: Fear
The most effective sleeping pill: Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease: Excuses
The most powerful force in life: Love
The most dangerous pariah: A gossiper
The worst thing to be without: Hope
The world's most incredible computer: The Brain

Remember this song? Don't Worry, Be happy
(Some pretty good advice)

There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon past
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy

oh well, at least your away!

2006-10-02T17:21:00.000+08:00

seen from a cartoon of a local daily:
3 araw black out! walang tubig! baha! kahit ano sabihin ni GMA, third world pa rin tayo!

eh, totoo naman e!

i almost lost all my energy for cursing everything i laid my eyes and ears on the last 3 days. meralco, gma, milenyo... and even the dog!

Absent si Kris

2006-09-27T19:41:00.000+08:00

Can you imagine Deal or No Deal without Kris Aquino?

Did you actually imagine playing Deal or No Deal on TV?

Did you actually sent text messages to 1266 and hoped you'd be a constestant?

At hanggang ngayon nag-aantay pa kayong matatawagan para makapag-laro?

Well, mag-praktis muna kayo dito:

http://www.nbc.com/Deal_or_No_Deal/game/flash.shtml

Pero 'wag umasa, walang buhay ito, wala kasi si Charmelle at si Kris Aquino.

People Are Often Unreasonable

2006-09-26T22:28:00.000+08:00

People Are Often Unreasonable
by Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may just never be enough;
Give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it's all between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

That's from Mother Teresa. I don't wonder that she's a saint and I'm not.
I don't bother, there's a lot of us anyway.

Be the best person that you can be!
At least we can try anyway.

look who's with the boss!

2006-09-23T19:40:00.000+08:00

Of Bosses & Me

Take a Break!

2006-09-21T22:59:00.000+08:00

I'm sharing this SMS message from a friend:

Sometimes we wish we were someone,
wish we were somewhere,
wish we have something
but sometimes we wish too much
that we miss to enjoy
what we are,
where we are
and
what we have!

Rings true.

So... Carpe Diem! For according to Keating: "tis only in their dreams that men truly be free, 'Twas always thus, and always thus will be." We are reminded to seize each day and cherish them dearly. Every day opportunities await us and we must decide whether to take the chance or play it safe. We are encouraged to take the risks, for nothing is gained without them.

So... Carpe Diem!

May the spirit live in our heart always.

Was I Ever Loved By You?

2006-09-20T13:26:00.000+08:00

Out of Reach
Gabrielle

Knew the signs
Wasn't right
I was stupid for a while
Swept away by you
And now I feel like a fool

So confused, my heart's bruised
Was I ever loved by you

Out of reach, so far
I never had your heart
Out of reach, couldn't see
We were never meant to be

Catch myself from despair
I could drown if I stay here
Keeping busy every day
I know I will be OK

But I was
So confused, my heart's bruised
Was I ever loved by you

Out of reach, so far
I never had your heart
Out of reach, couldn't see
We were never meant to be

So much hurt, so much pain
Takes a while to regain what is lost inside
And I hope that in time, you'll be out of my mind
And I'll be over you

But now I'm
So confused, my heart's bruised
Was I ever loved by you

Out of reach, so far
I never had your heart
Out of reach, couldn't see
We were never meant to be

Out of reach, so far
I never had your heart
In my reach, I can see
There's a life out there for me

home on monday nights at 10 for ...

2006-09-14T14:30:00.000+08:00

Convinced that his wayward brother LINCOLN BURROWS (Dominic Purcell) was wrongly convicted of the sensational murder of the Vice President’s brother, which landed him on Fox River State Penitentiary’s death row, a desperate MICHAEL SCOFIELD (Wentworth Miller) attempted a daring bank robbery in order to get himself incarcerated in Fox River with Lincoln. Michael, an engineer with access to the prison’s structural design, then masterminded an elaborate plan to free Lincoln by pulling off the ultimate PRISON BREAK.

Aided by an intricate tattoo of the prison’s blueprints covering his upper body, Michael aligned himself with his lovelorn cellmate FERNANDO SUCRE (Amaury Nolasco), former mob boss JOHN ABRUZZI (Peter Stormare), homicidal pedophile “T-BAG” (Robert Knepper), the well-connected “C-NOTE” (Rockmond Dunbar) and CHARLES WESTMORELAND (Muse Watson), a man Michael believed to be the infamous skyjacker D.B. Cooper. On the outside, Michael’s only ally was his defense attorney and Lincoln’s former girlfriend VERONICA DONOVAN (Robin Tunney), who protected Lincoln’s targeted son LJ (Marshall Allman). Veronica’s quest for the truth led straight to the White House, Secret Service Agent PAUL KELLERMAN (Paul Adelstein) and the power-hungry Vice President, CAROLINE REYNOLDS (Patricia Wettig), whose brother, in secret, is very much alive.

Overcoming many setbacks, the brothers and six other inmates ultimately escaped from Fox River. The prison break had its consequences, however – Michael was forced to betray his father figure, Warden HENRY POPE (Stacy Keach); prison doctor SARA TANCREDI (Sarah Wayne Callies), who was instrumental in the escape plan and had romantic feelings for Michael, relapsed with drugs and overdosed; and Westmoreland died of injuries sustained in the escape, but not before revealing that he was indeed D.B. Cooper – and providing a clue to where he had hidden over $5 million in cash.

Outside the prison walls, the escape truly begins as the convicts race for their lives – and the hidden cash –while trying to avoid capture by the authorities. The pursuers are led by vengeful prison guard Captain BRAD BELLICK (Wade Williams), who, driven by a personal vendetta, will stop at nothing until the escapees are captured or killed.

http://prisonbreak.fan-sites.org/

and this, they say, is the news.

2006-05-30T22:45:00.000+08:00

awwww... m sorry for u, man!
what were u thinking? what were u thinking?

escapism

2006-05-29T19:16:00.000+08:00

“Sometimes you don’t know where you’re from ‘til you leave.”

from “Sing Me Home” by Tim McGraw

One of travel’s many gifts is the opportunity to leave a zone that may have been too familiar to be doing us any good, for the moment at least, and enter an unfamiliar land that will allow us to live a life in ways we may not even be able to comprehend. Escapism.

Living in a maddening Manila, to go to Hong Kong is a real pause from insanity, and the shift was very sudden. Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China and spreads out over 1,100 square kilometers (425 square miles) with population of 6.8 million people, which makes it a highly dense city. The main areas are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. The weather was pretty warm and humid as hell. Not too bad though. Nothing can ever be too bad on vacation, anyway.

HK is a very modern city. It has lots of huge skyscrapers. With 6 buildings featured in the top 50 tallest skyscrapers in the world, it’s no wonder Hong Kong has the the No. 1 skyline in the world. There are lots of restaurants. When you go to local Hong Kong places that are small and sloppy and you have the chef cooking with all the ingredients in display right next to you, that's authentic Chinese cooking. Shopping is damn good too. If you have the money that is.

Penalties for smoking in a non-smoking area is 5,000HKD, people follow pedestrian traffic lights and policemen is very visible, usually in pairs roaming around, which makes me wonder at first if anything is enjoyable there. Further, how does one enjoy a highly populated, Cantonese speaking city with its locals walking not fast, but very fast?

Seemingly impossible, I was able to find the excitement in HK. Here are top spots that made my trip worthwhile:

The Victoria Peak. The Peak is one of HKs most visited tourist attractions, offering a stunning bird’s-eye view of the surrounding skyline, the world’s famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. The Peak can be reached through the Peak Tram, the world’s steepest funicular railway.

Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai has the Forever Blooming Bauhinia sculpture and the Reunification Monument. It signifies the most important occasion in HKs history – the return of HK to China. It is located outside HK Convention and Exhibition Center on the waterfront of Wan Chai.

Jumbo Kingdom in Aberdeen.

The famous giant floating Chinese restaurant.

Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. Hollywood's Walk of fame, HK Style.

Symphony of Lights. A spectacular multimedia event, the world’s largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records. Lasers, floodlights, searchlights, neon, and special-occasion fireworks are choreographed with music and narration booming out of PA systems at select locations, over the radio, or via a special mobile-phone number!

House of Mouse. Reunited with Mickey in his magical kingdom. The last time I saw him, I was 12. He still looks the same, I grew old. Magic?

on second part: more of Disney, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Harbour City, Nathan Lane, Canton Road and lotsa more.

What I had in HK was short-lived, and to my surprise, equally exciting. I finally can communicate and understand what people are saying after five days of idiotic pointing. Although I have to say, the idiotic pointing did lead to some amusement I wouldn't trade for anything.

STAY LEFT! this is neccesary in Hong Kong. Right hand drive vehicles, left side of the elevator is going up, not down. Traffic there isn't nearly as crazy as Manila. Forget to stay and look at your left, you'll have a double decker bus bearing down on you from the "wrong" side of the road.

In that concrete laid, building laden, humid, hectic and energetic city, there are good finds which invigorates the soul, fascinate the mind, and even put the body in temporary bliss. Not to mention sore feet from walking.

Can’t wait to have my next escape.

What's its like when you're shattered?

2006-05-28T02:23:00.000+08:00

Alone Again, Naturally
(Original by Gilbert O'Sullivan,
I Like more the version of Vonda Shepard)

In a little while from now,
If I'm not feeling any less sour,
I promised myself, to treat myself,
And visit a nearby tower . . .
And climbing to the top,
will throw myself off,
In an effort to, make clear to whoever,
What it's like when you're shattered . . .
Left standing in the lurch,
At a church where people saying . . .
My God, that's tough, she stood him up,
No point in us remaining . . .
May as well go home,
As I did on my own,
Alone again, naturally.

To think that only yesterday,
I was cheerful, bright and gay.
Looking forward to -
Who wouldn't do - the role I was about to play.
but, as if to knock me down,
Reality came around,
And without so much as a mere touch,
Cut me into little pieces.
Leaving me to doubt, Talk about God in His mercy,
Who, if He really does exist,
Why did He desert me?
And in my hour of need,
I truly am, indeed,
Alone again, naturally.

It seems to me that there are more hearts,
Broken in the world that can't be mended,
Left unattended, what do we do? What do we do?
Alone again, Naturally.

Looking back over the years,
And whatever else that appears.
I remember I cried when my father died,
Never wishing to hide the tears.
And at sixty-five years old,
My mother, God rest her soul,
Couldn't understand why the only man,
She had ever loved had been taken.
Leaving her to start, with a heart so badly broken,
Despite encouragement from me,
No words were ever spoken.
And when she passed away,
I cried and cried all day,

Alone again, naturally.
Alone again, naturally.

wake up, move on.

2006-05-26T16:37:00.000+08:00

I had this text message on my inbox since October '05. I wonder why i haven't erased it since then. Probably it has become a reminder of sort.

If you don't go after what you want,
You'll never have it.

If you don't ask,
The answer is always NO.

If you don't step forward,
Your always in the same place.

Take risks for life goes no.

this one's for A

2006-05-24T20:50:00.000+08:00

excerpted from the book :

Brand New Friend by Mike Gayle

After dinner, more wine, present opening and yet more wine, she decided she'd had her best Christmas Day in years. Just after nine, she felt it was time to go and pulled out her mobile to call a minicab.

'I'll drop you home, if you like,' Neil offered. 'I'm ready to leave now too.'

'That would be great,' said Jo. 'I'll get my things together.'

With her coat on and the presents she had received, she kissed Ashley, then put an arm round Rob and kissed him too. Neil said his goodbyes, and they went outside to his Porche.

'This is yours?' asked Jo, impressed.

He nodded. 'It was my my treat to myself a while back.'

'My treat to myself is usually chocolate,' said Jo, laughing, 'but each to their own.'

On the journey over to Levenshulme they talked about the new year and what they hoped to get out of it. Neil told Jo that he was planning to take a career break and travel for a while because he was afraid that he was missing out on life by working all the time. Jo told him about her hopes for her nove, and that if no one was interested in it, she'd write something new: Rob's praise had inspired her.

'Well,' she said, as Neil pulled up outside her house, 'this is me.'

He leaned across and kissed her cheek. 'It was great to meet you.'

'You too.' Jo opened the car door. 'Have a great New Year.'

She stepped out of the car and was about to close the door when Neil spoke again: 'May i say something to you? It's more advise than anything else.'

'Of course,' said Jo. 'What is it?'

'I just wanted to say to you that I know it must be hard for you.'

'What's hard for me?'

'And I know too that, right now, your heart must feel like it's being broken apart. . . but it will heal. . . You will get over it. Time will help you accept that in life there are things you can have and things you can't, and that's just the way it is.'

Jo was stunned. 'How did you-'

'It takes one to know one,' he replied. 'Just make sure you look after yourself.'

Jo closed the car door and watched as he drove away. Then she turned to her house and rooted in her bag for her keys. She opened the door, closed it behind her and cried as if she would never stop.

explore. dream. discover

2006-05-08T02:24:00.000+08:00

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did.
So, throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain

son of a beach

2006-05-07T04:13:00.000+08:00

Life's a Beach

Night swimming at the heated pool
kayaking at 12 nn
snorkelling at the corral gardens
bon fire
cable fall
Laiya Coco Grove, San Juan, Batangas

"After a visit to the beach, it's hard to believe
that we live in a material world"
Pam Shaw

u just can't hav it all

2006-04-30T00:30:00.000+08:00

When you can't have what you want,

it's time to start wanting what you have.

Kathleen A. Sutton

pencils

2006-04-27T17:14:00.000+08:00

When packing them, the pencil maker told the pencils 5 important lessons:

1. Whatever you do will always leave a mark
2. You can always correct the mistakes you make
3. What’s important is what’s inside you.
4. In life, you will experience many painful sharpenings which will make you a better pencil, and
5. You must allow yourself to be held by the hands that holds you.

this i like to see happen

2006-04-26T17:29:00.000+08:00

Top 20 sayings we'd like to see on those office inspirational posters:

1. Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
2. If you can stay calm, while all around you is chaos, then you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation.
3. Doing a job RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Doing the job WRONG fourteen times gives you job security.
4. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
5. Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
6. A person who smiles in the face of adversity...probably has a scapegoat.
7. Plagarism saves time.
8. If at first you don't succeed, try management.
9. Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether.
10. TEAMWORK... means never having to take all the blame yourself.
11. The beatings will continue until morale improves.
12. Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.
13. We waste time, so you don't have to.
14. Hang in there, retirement is only fifty years away!
15. Go the extra mile. It makes your boss look like an incompetent slacker.
16. A snooze button is a poor substitute for no alarm clock at all.
17. When the going gets tough, the tough take a coffee break.
18. INDECISION is the key to FLEXIBILITY.
19. Succeed in spite of management.
20. Aim Low - Reach Your Goals - Avoid Disappointment.

seein' old friends and more

2006-04-23T00:08:00.000+08:00

Joe, Tina, Pot, Xty, Lord Rhian, Roy & Jen

Coco Cabana, Kalayaan, Makati

One month passed and finally the reunion.

On Thursday night, April 20, I went to Coco Cabana in Makati to meet some old friends from Grade School. There's Roy, Lord Rhian, Jen, Xty, Tina and Joe. Except for Roy and Xty, the last time I saw the rest, if Im not mistaken is 10 or so years ago. It was nice meeting them all over again especially with so much laughter. We spent most of the evening talking, catching up, taking pictures and talking about what our other classmates are doing these days.

What is really nice about seeing old friends is seeing them again. You share a common history. You can laugh about things you did together or with other people you knew. And, you can also, in a way, see that you're not alone. At that instant, I somehow wish I could bring back the good old days we had back then. But it somehow dawned upon me that it was a chapter of our lives which we could never bring back to enjoy. What has passed will never be the same again, even if we did meet up for a reunion. What remains are just vivid memories of the past. Things have changed, we have grown up.

Ang saya ng gabing 'yun! Life doesn't get any better than this. We wrapped up the night with our plan to meet up again soon.

The most beautiful discovery true friends make

is that they can grow separately

without growing apart.

Elizabeth Foley

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art...

It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things

that give value to survival.

C.S. Lewis

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes.

A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.

And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes

is certain for those who are friends.

Richard Bach

Illusions

Click on here for more photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/renepmanahan/

think

2006-04-21T12:09:00.000+08:00

think about this...

got from a text message recently:

Watch your THOUGHTS; they become your WORDS.
Watch your WORDS; they become your ACTIONS.
Watch your ACTIONS; they become your HABITS.
Watch your HABITS; they become your CHARACTER.
Watch your CHARACTER; for it becomes your DESTINY.

here's by Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life:

To change your life, you must change the way you think.
Behind everything you do is a thought. Every behaviour is motivated by a belief,
and every action is prompted by an attitude. "Be careful of how you think;
your life is shaped by your thoughts."

The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel
influences the way you act.

of bosses and me

2006-04-19T16:51:00.000+08:00

I recently got this thru e-mail,
thought of sharing it with you.

My Boss and Me

When I take a long time
I am slow
When my boss takes a long time
He is thorough

When I don’t do it
I am lazy
When my boss doesn’t do it
He’s too busy

When I do something without being told
I’m being smart
When my boss does it
That’s initiative

When I please my boss
I’m kissing up his ass
When my boss pleases the big boss
He’s just cooperating

When I do well
He won't remember
When I make mistakes
My boss will never ever forget

Haaaay! Can you ever win?
There's just no way to get around it.

blown away by the eggs

2006-04-16T18:53:00.000+08:00

My friend Anthony sent me these pictures thru e-mail:

These egg shells were cut with a high intensity precision Laser Beam. This gives a very good idea of what can be achieved with a Laser Beam. From this can be surmised what laser surgery performed on one's eye is all about. Is it any wonder how one's vision can be improved in just a few moments? Science is sometimes wonderful, and it's still on the frontier of gaining new knowledge. Incredible what can be done with an eggshell and a laser beam.

"A true friend is someone who knows you're a good egg even if you're a little cracked."

HAPPY EASTER!

some advise to those who will serve time in prison

2006-03-16T14:27:00.000+08:00

If instead of being hanged by the neck
you're thrown inside
for not giving up hope
in the world, your country, your people,
if you do ten or fifteen years
apart from the time you have left,
you won't say,
"Better I had swung from the end of a rope
like a flag'' -
You'll put your foot down and live.
It may not be a pleasure exactly,
but it's your solemn duty
to live one more day
to spite the enemy.
Part of you may live alone inside,
like a tone at the bottom of a well.
But the other part
must be so caught up
in the flurry of the world
that you shiver there inside
when outside, at forty days' distance, a leaf moves.
To wait for letters inside,
to sing sad songs,
or to lie awake all night staring at the ceiling
is sweet but dangerous.
Look at your face from shave to shave,
forget your age,
watch out for lice
and for spring nights,
and always remember to eat every last piece of bread -
also, don't forget to laugh heartily.
And who knows,
the woman you love may stop loving you.
Don't say it's no big thing:
it's like the snapping of a green branch
to the man inside.
To think of roses and gardens inside is bad,
to think of seas and mountains is good.
Read and write without rest,
and I also advise weaving
and making mirrors.
I mean, it's not that you can't pass
ten or fifteen years inside and more -
you can,
as long as the jewel
on the left side of your chest doesn't lose it's luster!

Nazim Hikmet
Poet, playwright, novelist, memoirist
Translated by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)

Also appeared on:
The Seven Types of Ambiguity by Elliot Perlman

ano ang blog?

2006-02-25T16:25:00.000+08:00

my 21 y/o nephew, Joric, who recently graduated from college,
has this to say about blog:

Ano nga ba ang Blog?

D ba kayo nagtataka na post kayo ng post sa "Blog" na ito pero d nyo naman alam kung ano ang ibig sabihin nito? Cge, eto ang aking professional interprtations;

Ang "BLOG" ay ang tunog na likha ng isang pagbagsak o pagsemplang...MAS MATAAS ANG PINANGGALINGAN, MAS MALAKAS ANG BLOG!!!
Ang blog ang tanging lyrics ng kanta ng mga serena...bakit kanyo? e nasa ilalim sila ng tubig!!! pano ka ba magsalita pag nasa ilalim ng tubig? ; " blog blog...blog..."
BLOG din ang tawag sa hugis na malobo...HINDI PARISUKAT, HNDI PARIHABA, KUNDI BLOG!

Tha's why I am inviting everyone to create their blogs...why? because BLOG ANG MUNDO!

smart ass!

the post appeared in Joric's friendster blog.

the perfect cup of coffee

2006-01-14T15:47:00.000+08:00

the perfect cup of coffee

if it does exist must be ground,

brewed with the right equipment,

under the right temperature.

its taste must communicate

to all the senses and should be

of faultless color and opaqueness,

of pleasureable and boundless flavors,

and of an aroma of the precise intensity.

many people, regardless of time and place,

come in search of that perfect cup.

but beyond solely and soulfully brooding on its art,

the perfect cup of coffee binds people altogether.

cafe aroma

2006-01-11T14:44:00.000+08:00

the following is a blog post of xty g on January 9, 2006
http://xtnag.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_xtnag_archive.html

thank u, xty, for the ad. :-)
yuh, its good to be back home...

when you're in town, make sure to drop by CAFE AROMA beside Ax's Restaurant along Bonifacio near the Rotary Rotonda going to Labangan (that humongous monument of 2 hands with palms facing upwards)

it's part-owned and managed by Potpot Manahan's sister. they serve hot or cold (brewed) coffee and tea and they also offer burgers and sandwiches on their menu with very affordable prices.

by the way, Potpot's responsible for the taste of some (if not all) of the coffee concoctions.

we were there last year: pot manahan, kiko camongol, joey valverde, maimai domingo, roy cornel (although at different times). we also saw and exchanged a few "hi's" and "hellos" with donna florescio, jose olano and wife, miko manguera and wife.

im sharing a couple of photos taken during that time.

there's
- kiko with the straw of his iced coffee peeping from the bottom;
- cafe aroma wall logo
- cafe aroma counter. it's a cozy place
- the wall menu of coffee and tea
- that's joey v, me and pot by the bar counter

~~~~~~~~~~~

it's good to be back home...

~~~~~~~~~~~

miracles do happen

2005-11-10T14:21:00.000+08:00

"there is no law of nature God will not suspend

to aid a heart in distress

if to do so would edify the soul."

bunny v. reyes

little book of miracles & answered prayers

unicorn

2005-10-10T17:23:00.000+08:00

you were sent to watch over me
when the thief broke into my home,
the strange look on his face brings terror.
his fiery eyes is hunting me, ready to kill with his gruesome stare
his curly hair is sticky with gel and dust,
his skin is covered with oil and mud.

the dark of the night is gloomy
grey nimbus so thick it screens the moonlight
the drizzle from outside brings cold,
it was an eerie night.
the quietness is frightening.
you know someone is there, looking, staring, hunting-
but you cannot see. somebody is out there to get me.

my chest began to pound, heavy with fear
my heart ready to burst, i cannot breath
my knees started to shake, my whole body is trembling.
i wanted to run, but i cannot move.
in that position i stood long
helpless in despair, telling my mind to think
and with a wink, you are there.

bringing not a spark of light in total darkness
or a yellow light of sunshine -
it was a bright white light of heaven.
it refreshes my body, it refreshes my soul.
it was soothing just to stare at you
your white fur is glowing, it was blinding
the strenght of your presence is calming
your big bright eyes sparkled with silver,
that long, thick curly brows is charming.
that silver mane and tale were soft and comforting.
that spiral gold horn on your head
is ready to thrust those who will hurt me.
the magnificence of your bright white wings
is power enough that can crush my enemy.

you bring peace.
the sight of you quiets my heart and satisfies my soul.
i am fearless, i am free, i can feel i am strong.
you are an angel in disguise,
sent from heaven to watch over me.

riptide october 10, 2005

Anti-Political Politics

2004-08-11T01:55:00.000+08:00

Excerpt from Summer Meditations by the president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel

Journalists, and in particular foreign correspondents, often ask me how the idea of "living in truth", the idea of "anti-political politics", or the idea of politics subordinated to conscience can, in practice, be carried out. They are curious to know whether, finding myself in high office, I have not had to revise much of what I once wrote as an independent critic of politics and politicians. Have I not been compelled to lower my former " dissident" expectations of politics, by which they mean the standards I derived from the "dissident experience", which are therefore scarcely applicable outside that sphere?

There may be some who won't believe me, but in my second term as president in a land full of problems that presidents in stable countries never dream of, I can safely say that I have not been compelled to recant anything of what I wrote earlier, or to change my mind about anything. It may seem incredible, but it is so: not only have I not had to change my mind, but my opinions have been confirmed.

Despite the political distress I face every day, I am still deeply convinced that politics is not essentially a disreputable business; and to the extent that it is, it is only disreputable people who make it so. I would concede that it can, more that other spheres of human activity, tempt one to disreputable practices, and that it therefore places higher demands on people. But it is simple not true that a politician must lie or intrigue. That is utter nonsense, spread about by people who - for whatever reasons - wish to discourage others from taking an interest in public affairs.

Of course, in politics, as elsewhere in life, it is impossible and pointless to say everything, all at once, to just anyone. But that does not mean having to lie. All you need is tact, the proper instincts, and good taste. One surprising experience from "high politics" is this: I have discovered that good taste is more useful here than post-graduate degree in political science. It is largely a matter of form: knowing how long to speak, when to begin and when to finish; how to say something politely that your opposite number may not want to hear; how to say, always, what is most significant at a given moment, and not to speak of what is not important or relevant; how to insist on your own position without offending; how to create the kind of friendly atmosphere that makes complex negotiations easier; how to keep a conversation going without prying or being aloof; how to balance serious political themes with lighter, more relaxing topics; how to plan your official journeys judiciously and to now when it is more appropriate not to go somewhere, when to be open and when reticent and to what degree.

But more than that, it means having a certain instinct for the time, the atmosphere of the time, the mood of people, the nature of their worries, their frame of mind - that too can perhaps be more useful than sociological surveys. An education in political science, law, economics, history, and culture is an invaluable asset to any politician, but I have been persuaded, again and again, that it is not the most essential asset. Qualities like fellow-feeling, that ability to talk to others, insight, the capacity to grasp quickly not only problems but also human character, the ability to make contact, a sense of moderation: all these are immensely more important in politics. I am not saying, heaven forbid, that I myself am endowed with these qualities; not at all! These are merely my observations.

To sum up:

If your heart is in the right place and you have good taste, not only will you pass muster in politics, you are destined for it. If you are modest and do not lust after power, not only are you suited to politics, you absolutely belong there. The "sine qua non" of a politician is not the ability to lie; he need only be sensitive and know when, what, to whom, and how to say what he has to say. It is not true that a person of principle does not belong in politics; it is enough for his principles to be leavened with patience, deliberation, a sense of proportion, and an understanding of others. It is not true that only the unfeeling cynic, the vain, the brash, and the vulgar can succeed in politics; such people, it is true, are drawn to politics, but, in the end, decorum and good taste will always count for more.

more about Vaclav Havel:

http://www.rahul.net/xavier/vaclav.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaclav_Havel